Columbus, Ohio I pick up my barf bag and head outside to enjoy the sunshine.
It’s noisy.
One of the sergeants told me that I had an EarPro in my ears. I’m waved in by the crew chief. It’s going to be my first time flying in a Black Hawk Helicopter.
Good morning to all of you. “A sergeant said.” Today, you have a flight.
I’m in the vicinity of Columbus, Ohio, at Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2. I just received a safety briefing from them.
Watch the video below to fly with me:
The sergeant instructed everyone to remain in a single file line. There will be spinning blades.
He warns us about placing our feet beneath the seat. “They’ll be crushed if we crash,” he warns.
It s too loud for your camera
Skyler Vaughn cheered while growing up in North College Hill. In fact, she joined the Ohio National Guard nearly nine years ago in part because of that.
Vaughn stated, “I never was into joining the military.” I was afraid.
The sergeant now instructs younger troops. She also assists in fueling the helicopter she is standing in front of here at Rickenbacker International Airport.
According to Vaughn, it will be far too loud for your camera. I’ll show you, though.
She removes the fuel lid and circles the Black Hawk aircraft. She tells me she can’t hear the crew chief while they’re filling up. Until they’re finished, they frequently play rock, paper, scissors.
She gestures up as she stands beneath the helicopter’s rotor.
“You can see how close the blades are,” Vaughn remarked. A lot of adrenaline is present. When you watch them safely lift off, it’s really satisfying.
She had never heard of the National Guard when she originally contemplated a career in the military. Additionally, she believed that fueling equipment was not a crucial duty prior to enlisting.
She is suddenly more aware.
“To make something like that take off into the sky, they need everyone on deck,” Vaughn stated.
‘When the governor calls, we answer’
The colonel starts off by making jokes about the PowerPoint behind him.
Col. Jon Stewart, assistant adjutant general for the Army’s National Guard in Ohio, stated that the Army slides were good. due of the large number of photographs.
Prior to the briefing, Stewart is providing a briefing. His role is to describe the activities of the Ohio National Guard.
“We respond to the governor’s calls,” Stewart added. People desire to serve their communities, which is why they are in the guard.
According to the colonel, there are now over 1,000 military troops serving abroad. Additionally, Stewart claims that two years ago, when a train carrying dangerous goods derailed and inhabitants had to be evacuated, he was the first guard member in East Palestine.
Even outside the state, the Ohio National Guard is frequently called upon to assist. And they use a Black Hawk aircraft for many of those flights.
‘You probably can’t hear this’
I take my microphone and cup it in my hands so my coworker can hear me when we’re flying over Ohio Stadium. My shirt generally has it pinned on the inside.
Throughout the flight, the door next to me remains open.
I shouted, “You probably can’t hear this.” It’s noisy.
I need assistance strapping up before we take off.
With my motion sickness bag in hand, I remarked, “This is my first time on a Black Hawk helicopter.” However, many people consider it their duty to support the community.
Individuals like Vaughn, who enlisted in the military against the majority of her peers’ predictions that she wouldn’t be successful.
“I think that was a big reason why I wanted to,” noted Vaughn. “Because I could help people who live here feel safe and secure.”
I exit the helicopter and am greeted by more uniformed personnel as I return to the ground. My colleague inquires about the flight’s experience.
I said, “Loud,” while continuing to grip my vomit bag. I didn’t vomit.
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